Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Hayward, CA (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Hayward

California
200

Raleigh is 45% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,468/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 61%
$82,424/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 38%
$377,800 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 117%
$1,487/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 63%
470,763
Population
159,201

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $892/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $10,704/year.

Median household income is $31,351/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Raleigh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Hayward — common questions

Is Raleigh or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Hayward?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $892/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Hayward?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $31,351/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and California?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while Hayward has a cost index of 200 with rent of $2,360/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Raleigh details → View Hayward details →

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